It all starts again the Sunday for the Canberra Raiders when they face the Cronulla Sharks at Canberra Stadium.

The Sharks have won 7 out of their last 10 matches against the Green Machine and will be looking to increase that stat with an upset victory this Sunday.

I'm really looking forward to the battle of the forwards in this one, as both sides have some real representative grunt up front.

On paper the Raiders should easily win this one, but it is never as easy as it looks. The Sharks are a gritty side that love to grind out a win in a close match, and they have a good record in Canberra, so the Raiders will have to be ready to play.

If the Canberra side can get out to a lead of 12 of more I think it will be too much for the relatively week attack of the Sharks to catch up. Despite that, I'm tipping a close game as both sides look to find their way into the season.

First post updated with Raiders team named on tuesday arvo. Full preview and my tip to come.

It looks like a very good team on paper especially when you include Orford. A lot ride on if he plays tho, without him we go back to looking a little shakes in the halves. Its going to be very interesting to see how he goes if he does play. Should be a good one

Mate I'm sure Furner has prepared for the possibility that Ox wont play. He has been sus for awhile now so we would have some kind of backup plan probably called Sam Williams. Picker could get a crack you never know and don't forget that Buttriss can play 7.

Our outside backs look so strong cant wait to see them rip the sharks a new one lol

Lighten up haha! This has got to be the best time of the year hands down. **** christmas NRL round 1 is the only present I need!

I know, I know. Trust me Im excited about it too, just nervous at the same time. Every year we as Raiders fans have certain hopes and expectations, but this year is different, this year the rest of the NRL world has high expectations for us too. Its a huge chance this year for the Raiders to prove that we can be consistent and a dominant force to be feared in this competition.

Don't be so quick to write off Cronulla. Yes they are probably the worst team in the NRL, but that doesn't matter in a round one game. As unlikely as it may be, they could end up becoming the best team in this years comp. Its happened before, Panthers in 03, Roosters making the grand final last year after getting the spoon before, teams can turn things around in a hurry in the space of one off-season.

I'm not saying that I think the Sharkies will win this year's title or even be that competitive, because I don't think they will be. I'm just saying that it is possible and that the Raiders need to be prepared for anything. They need to play this game (and every game really) as if they were playing the Dragons.

I'll go with Raiders 10 Sharks 6, only because I don't think our attack will be that great in this game as Orford and McCrone start to form a partnership, and because the Sharks defend hard and try to the last last minute even when they are getting flogged.